Section 21 of CA, 1957 : Section 21: Right Of Author To Relinquish Copyright

Explanation using Example

Let's say, John, a renowned author, has written a book titled "The AI Revolution". He has the copyright to this book. However, after a few years, he decides he no longer wants to hold the copyright. According to Section 21 of The Copyright Act, 1957, John can relinquish his copyright by sending a notice in the prescribed form to the Registrar of Copyrights or through public notice.

Upon receiving John's notice, the Registrar of Copyrights will publish it in the Official Gazette and in any other manner deemed appropriate. Within fourteen days from the publication in the Official Gazette, the notice will also be posted on the official website of the Copyright Office, where it will remain for at least three years.

However, if there were any rights in favour of another person, say a publisher who had a contract to publish and sell the book, on the date John gave his notice, those rights would not be affected by John's relinquishment of his copyright.